Chapter 4: Playdate
"Adeline, Her Majesty requested your presence at the castle tomorrow."
Adeline's eyes widened. Already?! She just told herself to avoid the Crown Prince!
"But Father-" Alaric tried to reason with him. He wasn't a fool, it was obvious why she would set her eyes on Adeline.
The Empress came from the family of the Southern Duke, they were far away from the capital city which didn't bode well for her, the Empress assumed the Marquess was dissatisfied with his position, he had the responsibilities of a Duke but not the title.
She, however, was completely wrong. Titles didn't matter to him, and they certainly didn't matter more than his dear daughter. If she thought he would sell his daughter for a pathetic title she couldn't be more wrong.
The Marquess interrupted Alaric, "It's an Imperial order, they have summoned her. However, the Royal family can't force her to do anything."
The message her father sent to her was clear. Whatever schemes the Empress and Cassian plot against Adeline to get them engaged, she had the right to say no and he would protect her no matter what.
Rarely did they have meals together, but they chose to spend it in silence. Adeline thought this would've been a great time to have some quality family time but it ended as awkwardly as it began. 'What is wrong with these people?!' She could clearly see how her brothers would look at him for approval but the man gave them nothing!
Seeing how everyone was leaving she prepared to hop off the chair but this time, her father beat her brother to it. He helped her get off and placed her gently on the ground. She smiled to herself, seeing how Alaric helped her and how close their bond was, her father wanted to be part of it.